I have been thinking about this a lot since I first read it on Saturday. I think the concept of parasocial relationships is really interesting, especially in the current climate where social media makes everyone appear so much more accessible than they actually are! I think the key thing here is Adam and Joe’s friendship because it allows the listener/ viewer access to a certain level of intimacy simply by viewing/ listening to their interactions on air. It brings to mind two of my favourite bands: The Libertines and We Are Scientists, both of whom have a dedicated following and a dynamic built on close friendship. As fans, there is a sense of being a part of this friendship just by observing it - it welcomes you in and you are able to hear and appreciate the banter as if you are part of the group. It is incredibly appealing and I think inspires loyalty as long as you keep it in perspective.
This is a really good point and there’s definitely a distinct difference between that parasocial relationship with an individual compared to listening in on (or the feeling of being in the background of) a friendship. I personally can’t stand Top Gear, but I can see what’s appealing about their apparent friendship. And it’s definitely part of being a fan of a band. After all, as a listener, especially at a live event, you *are* part of the event and in some small way integral to it. Like music, there’s a *performance* of friendship happening too.
I have been thinking about this a lot since I first read it on Saturday. I think the concept of parasocial relationships is really interesting, especially in the current climate where social media makes everyone appear so much more accessible than they actually are! I think the key thing here is Adam and Joe’s friendship because it allows the listener/ viewer access to a certain level of intimacy simply by viewing/ listening to their interactions on air. It brings to mind two of my favourite bands: The Libertines and We Are Scientists, both of whom have a dedicated following and a dynamic built on close friendship. As fans, there is a sense of being a part of this friendship just by observing it - it welcomes you in and you are able to hear and appreciate the banter as if you are part of the group. It is incredibly appealing and I think inspires loyalty as long as you keep it in perspective.
This is a really good point and there’s definitely a distinct difference between that parasocial relationship with an individual compared to listening in on (or the feeling of being in the background of) a friendship. I personally can’t stand Top Gear, but I can see what’s appealing about their apparent friendship. And it’s definitely part of being a fan of a band. After all, as a listener, especially at a live event, you *are* part of the event and in some small way integral to it. Like music, there’s a *performance* of friendship happening too.